POLICE have urged parents to educate their children on the danger of fires after tackling a deliberate blaze in a play park.

Officers were alerted to the Chaldon Play Park in Canford Heath after receiving reports of youths starting a fire deliberately.

A spokesperson for Poole Police said: “PCSOs Sam and Kerrie were first on scene at Chaldon Park, luckily we carry fire extinguishers on board our cars, so were able to put majority of the fire out and prevent costly damage.

“Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service attended to make the area safe and dampen down, however heat damage has been caused to the climbing frame and the rubber matting, BCP Council have been made aware.

“Dorset Police would like to ask parents to educate your children on the dangers of starting fires and the consequences this can have.

“Due to the nature of the fire and documents found we will be carrying out further enquiries to try and identify those involved.

“If you have any information relating to this incident, please contact us on 101 quoting occurrence number 55220118889.”